Mixed martial arts game, ring, and construction process

ABSTRACT

A process for conducting a mixed martial arts event includes providing three or more fighters in a multi-sided, raised edge ring. The three or more fighters participate according to a first set of rules. Fighting continues until only two fighters remain. These two remaining fighters participate under an expanded set of rules that allow floor fighting. Each side of the ring includes a sloped transition region that terminates with a flat raised edge to create a raised region about the exterior of the ring which is elevated above the remaining portion of the fighting surface. Various microphones may be placed about the ring for recording sounds of the fight.

There are no related patent applications.

The patent application did not receive any federal research and/or development funding.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally the present invention relates to a mixed martial arts (MMA) event and a novel ring for performing such event. More particularly, the invention is a MMA match that includes three contestants who simultaneously fight one another from a standing position in a three round match under a first set of fighting rules. If one fighter becomes disqualified or unable to continue, the remaining two fighters continue fighting one another under an expanded set of rules until either one disqualifies the other or the match ends and a winner is determined by scorecards marked by judges. The expanded set of rules or second set of rules may allow the fighters to take one another to the mat and fight from the floor as opposed to the first set of rules requiring the fighters to fight from a standing position. The novel ring is a multi-sided ring with an outer elevated ring and having a sloped portion giving way to a lower interior fighting surface having trusses arranged there under. The surface area of the lower interior fighting surface is greater than that of the elevated outer fighting ring. The fighters may utilize any of the arena for fighting. A plurality of microphones for broadcasting and/or recording the sounds of the fight may be arranged about the ring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sporting events such as wrestling and boxing have been popular over many centuries. Recently the sport of MMA has emerged as a popular pastime. MMA is a full contact hand-to-hand combat sport that allows fighters having different styles and techniques to battle one another in a controlled setting. Many of the fighters have been trained in a variety of fighting techniques. Certain rules allow the use of different striking techniques as well as different wrestling holds.

In recent years, MMA events have become widespread. Many of these events are shortened by one fighter knocking the other out or quickly gaining a submission hold. To that end, the present invention aims to provide a longer fighting event by introducing a new type of MMA event that comprises more than two fighters fighting one another simultaneously.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a MMA type of fighting event that is known as “San Do.” San Do is founded in the tradition of a warrior facing a battlefield with multiple opponents. During a San Do competition, three competitors in traditional Gi's, face off in a custom built arena with a bottom of 24 feet in diameter and 12 raised sides. Two referees are provided for each match. Judges score the competitors who engage in full contact fighting with punching, kicking, throwing, and grappling techniques. Should one competitor leave the competition due to being knocked out, receiving a technical knockout, injury or disqualification, the remaining two competitors continue the competition with an added element of ground fighting such as wrestling and submission holds. That is, when three fighters are engaged in the competition, they participate under the first set of rules that allow them to fight from a standing position where wrestling and submission holds are not allowed. When one fighter leaves the competition, the remaining two fight under the second set of rules which include the first set of rules and additional rules relating to ground fighting techniques.

Various forms of protective equipment must be used or worn by each contestant. For example, contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece is subject to examination and approval by the ringside physician. A round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place. If the mouthpiece becomes involuntarily dislodged during competition, a referee calls time to clean and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action. Male contestants must wear a groin protector of a type approved by the governing body sanctioning the event. Female contestants must wear a chest protector during competition of a type approved by the governing body.

Gloves shall be new or approved by the governing body or commission for all events and in good condition. Old, worn gloves must be replaced. All contestants shall wear gloves of at least six ounces which shall be supplied by the promoter and approved by the governing body. Contestants shall wear Gi. Biking shorts or kick boxing shorts must be warn under the Gi. The supervising authority or its designee shall approve all shorts. A match may only be stopped by one of the referees or the ring side physician.

A San Do bouts begins with three contestants and consists of three three-minute rounds. At least two referees are present during the match. The first referee is the primary referee and operates as the down referee. This simply means that if one of the fighters is disqualified and the other two are then allowed to use take down moves to fight on the floor of the arena, the primary or down referee is in charge of the floor fighting. The second referee is the alternate or up referee and aids the primary referee in ensuring a fair fight when all three contestants are fighting. The alternate referee can call fouls, deduct points, and stop the bout the same as the primary referee. The alternate referee may also replace an incapacitated primary referee.

During a San Do bout, there are four judges who award points to each of the fighters and record the points on an individual scorecard for each round. Three of the judges are primary judges and the other one is an alternate judge. The score cards of all four judges are collected by the supervisor at the end of each round. The supervising agency reviews the points shown on each score card and enters all four judge's scores on a score sheet. When a bout goes to the completion of the three scheduled rounds, the winner is identified as the contestant with the highest score between the three primary judges. The score of the alternative judge is used as a tie-breaker. That is, should the bout end in a draw as determined by the scores of the three primary judges, the score of the alternate judge is used to determine the winner.

Each contest is scored by the judges appointed by the governing fighting commission of that particular jurisdiction or its agent or contractor. The scoring is performed on a 10-point must system. That is 10-points must be awarded to the fighter winning the particular round that is being scored. When a bout is stopped in the middle of the round, the judges score the incomplete or partial round as if it was a complete round. Judges are able to award points for a knockdown only when the knockdown is called as such by one of the supervising referees. Likewise, point deductions for fouls may only occur when one of the referees has indicated that a point deduction should be undertaken. Judges should not score a round even. That is one of the three fighters should be designated as a winner for each round. At the conclusion of each round, the score cards are presented to the event inspector or his designee who examines the score cards.

In determining a score, judges evaluate effective striking, effective throws, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness and the defense of each fighter. At the conclusion of each round, unless stopped prior to the end of the scheduled rounds by retirement, submission, knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification, the combatant with the highest score among the 3 primary judges is declared the winner. Should the primary judges have the bout scored as a draw; the score card of the alternant judge (yellow judge) will be opened and used to break the draw.

The legal scoring area begins at the top center of the head, with an imaginary scoring line continuing down the sides of the head through the ears. This scoring line further extends downward to include the shoulders and to the naval. Other scoring areas include the hipbones, as well as the outside and inside of thigh 4 inches above the knee and the calf 4 inches below the knee. Any punch or kick delivered outside of the scoring zones is not awarded points when scoring the bout.

In scoring a fighter's performance during a round, judges must consider the following scoring events. The total number of effective strikes delivered by each competitor is scored. An effective strike does not include kicks that are caught or if an effective counter move is performed by another to block a strike, throw an opponent, or deliver a sweep kick. A knockdown resulting from a strike such as a punch or kick is scored, if the technique is clean and the standing contestant does not touch the ring floor with any other parts of the body not already touching the floor when the knockdown blow is delivered. Scoring for a knockdown is not considered unless the fallen contestant is given a standing eight count and rises off the mat quickly after the knockdown. Fighters score by performing throws, takedowns, sweeps when:

-   -   (1) A basic throw, high altitude throw, explosive throw or         extremely difficult throw whether the thrower remains standing         or goes to the surface of the ring;     -   (2) Should a throw “counter technique” be used and such counter         technique reverses the beginning thrower in regards to a         position of control or command, the fighter who ends up in the         controlling or commanding position after both contestants hit         the floor shall receive credit for the throw. If both         contestants end up side to side no points shall be awarded;     -   (3) A contestant is forced to fall by the opponent's techniques,         including the opponent deliberately falling while dodging         defensively; or,     -   (4) Other difficult punches, throws, holds, or kicks.         Fighters shall not received credit for any of the following         actions:     -   (1) A throw is attempted, but the other contestant pulls the         thrower down with him and neither can show control;     -   (2) One contestant uses a falling technique to attack         unsuccessfully; or     -   (3) One contestant uses a flying offensive technique with a         deliberately falling technique, the latter one will not score         with the exception of a flying scissor throw or reverse         scissors.

Bouts may be concluded in the following manners:

A. Submission by tap out;

B. Verbal tap out;

C. Technical knockout;

D. Knockout;

E. Draws;

F. Disqualification;

G. Forfeiture;

H. Technical draw;

I. Technical decision; and,

J. No contest.

In the preferred embodiment, a novel athletic arena comprises a plurality of segments each having its individual truss system and coupled together along their edges. In each segment, a plurality of joists have a first end coupled together and a second end spread apart and secured to a cross member. A knee wall is built and coupled to the second ends of the joists. Angled members extend from substantially near a distal end of each joist to the shortest upper cross member of the knee wall. In the preferred process for building the arena, the knee wall is formed first and thereafter the trusses are arranged and fastened to the knee wall.

The knee wall assembly structure may be formed by creating a first lower rectangular box on a floor. The first rectangular box includes a pair of lower side members intersected by and fastened to two lower cross members. The lower cross member proximal to the center of the arena is shorter than the distal cross member. Thereafter, a plurality of vertical risers is fastened along each of the lower cross members. Next, the top ends of the vertical risers are secured to a second upper rectangular box that has the same shape as the first lower rectangular box. The vertical risers may be alternatively flipped perpendicular to one another along one of the sides of the knee wall for added support. An angled surface is then secured to the proximal end of the knee wall nearest the center of the arena and coupled to the cross member that spans across the second end or distal end of the floor joists.

Otherwise, the elevated portion of the sidewall may be created by creating two boxes by having two long bottom side support members intersected by three bottom cross members. Risers may be attached to each of the outermost cross members which are the longest two in length. Upper cross members are fastened to the risers. Angled risers are coupled to the shortest lower cross member at one end and to the upper cross member at the other end.

Foam padding is added below the trusses at the center of the arena and in rings about the center of the arena to provide a softer surface for conducting the matches or bouts. A floor is fastened to the top of the trusses, angled risers, and knee wall. Padding is added atop this floor.

A sidewall or back support of the novel athletic arena comprises a knee wall having a base and a top and formed from a pair of upper side members and a longer pair of lower side members perpendicularly arranged to and coupled together via three lower cross members. Two upper cross members are intersected by a plurality of top members. Vertical risers are coupled from the lower cross members to the upper cross members.

A rectangular base for a knee wall of each segment of the arena is formed from bottom side support members and cross members. A plurality of top members couple two upper cross members together. Each base and top has a first end and a second end, a top side, and a bottom side. The first end of the base, nearest the center of the arena, extends beneath the second end of each support and is coupled thereto via fasteners such as screws, lag bolts, nuts, washers, or combinations thereof.

A plurality of angled risers is included in the novel arena and each has a first end, a second end, and a top edge. The first end of each respective angled riser is coupled substantially near a cross member that couples the distal ends of the trusses together. The second end of each of the plurality of angled risers is coupled to the shortest upper cross member.

A first plurality of vertical risers couples at a top end to the top of the knee wall proximal the center of the ring. Each of the first vertical risers have a bottom end coupled to the base of the knee wall. A second plurality of vertical risers has a top end coupled to the second end of the top of the knee wall distal from the center of the arena. The second plurality of vertical risers further comprising a second end coupled to the base of the knee wall to a lower cross member that is distal from the center of the arena and the longest lower cross member.

A central area of foam underlies and supports the first end of each segment of the athletic arena at a proximal end thereof. A first ring of foam is disposed beneath the trusses against the bottom edge and is arranged substantially near the central area of foam. A second ring of foam is disposed beneath the trusses between the first ring of foam and the second end of the trusses.

A substantially planar surface has a top side and a bottom side, with the bottom side thereof fastened to the top edge of the trusses, vertical risers, and top of the knee wall. A layer of padding is arranged atop the top side of the substantially planar surface.

It is an object of the invention to teach a new process for conducting an exciting mixed martial arts bout whereby three or more opponents face off in a novel ring.

It is another object of the invention to teach a new type of fighting arena that may be utilized for performing mixed martial art performances. The arena is preferably twelve-sided ring with raised edges that may utilized by a fighter to gain elevation in performing certain fighting moves or techniques.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned from practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be obtained by means of instrumentalities in combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the arena used in performing the San Do event.

FIG. 1B is an overhead plan view of the arena.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the structural support members that comprise a segment of the arena. FIG. 2B is a side view of the segment of the arena shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is an overhead plan view of the elements comprising the segment of the arena.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the structural support members overlaid with a padded planar member. FIG. 3B shows a side view of the segment of the arena shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is an overhead plan view of the elements comprising the segment of the arena with padding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the features of one embodiment may be employed with the other embodiments as the skilled artisan recognizes, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and techniques may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments set forth herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The Ring

FIGS. 1A-B depict an assembled arena 1 that comprises a plurality of segments 10 substantially formed in the shape of an isosceles triangle when viewed from above. The arena 1 comprises an inner fighting region 2, a sloped fighting ring 3 and an outer elevated fighting ring 4. In the preferred embodiment, there are twelve segments fastened together via fasteners such as screws, nuts, bolts, plates, washers, etc. The preferred shape of the ring is a dodecagon when viewed from above. As can be recognized by the skilled artisan, the fighting surface has an overlay of padding 25 and comprises a twelve-sided shape having a substantially level inner fighting ring. The padding is preferably the shape of the segment and may comprise a square, rectangle or triangle shape and be formed from puzzle foam or vinyl covered foam. Moreover, the term padding should be interpreted broadly to include fastening means that comprise industrial strength Velcro® arranged between the padding and a upper planar surface comprising the floor of the fighting arena. The floor of the arena is a planar material such as 0.75″ plywood that is fastened to and overlays the sub-floor support structure which comprises a plurality of structural support segments, as more clearly shown in FIG. 2A-2B. Each structural support segment includes floor trusses that extend from a center of the arena to the knee wall support assembly beneath the outer fighting ring. A proximal end of each floor truss terminates in the center of the ring and is arranged with its sides being sandwiched between adjoining trusses. A distal end of each floor truss is fastened to the knee wall support assembly. In this manner, the floor trusses extend outward similar to spokes on a wagon wheel with the proximal end of the trusses against one another whilst the distal end of the trusses are arranged apart from one another. An angled elevated surface extends from the distal end of the floor trusses and upwards to the top of the knee wall assembly. That is arena includes a sloped transition fighting region extending between the inner portion of the arena arranged atop the floor joists upwards to the elevated outer fighting ring. An overall length from the inner to outer edge of the outer fighting ring is substantially smaller than the distance between the center of the ring and the inner surface of the angled elevated surface. The elevated outer fighting ring is substantially level and having the knee wall support structure assembly constructed beneath it as can be recognized from viewing FIG. 1A. The frame of the arena 1 preferably comprises two inch by four inch (2″×4″) wooden members as more clearly shown in FIGS. 2A and 3B overlaid with planar members such 0.75″ plywood and foam padding.

A central area is created by overlaying foam 5 with a four feet square sheet of 0.75″ plywood, represented in FIG. 1B in phantom. Thus, the center of the arena extends two feet onto each of the floor trusses. This foam 5 is provided along a proximal end of each segment to create a shock absorbing effect in the center of the arena 1. A planar sheet of a material, such as plywood, is arranged above the central area of foam 5 and is preferably fastened to the proximal end of each floor truss. Padding 25 is a flat planar surface fastened to a top side of the arena floor for absorbing impact from the fighters. Each segment includes an angled area 20 and a flat elevated surface 15. Angled area 20 terminates in an upper end that is substantially the same elevation as the flat elevated surface 15.

FIGS. 2A through 3C show various views of a preferred embodiment of the underlying sub-floor and floor arranged on an upper edge of the sub-floor with an overlay of padding. Microphones 100 may be arranged beneath the arena 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of floor joist 45 extend from the center of the arena with the proximal end of each being in contact with adjoining floor joists on opposite sides. The distal end of the floor joists are separated by a distance as shown in FIG. 2C. The sub-floor includes the knee wall assembly which comprises upper and lower side members 31A, 31B, 30A, 30B, upper cross members 32A, 32B, lower cross members 29A-29C and elevated joists 38. A pair of lower side members 30A, 30B fastens at opposite ends via cross members 29A-29C to create a lower box. Fastening devices 75 such as bolts or screws fasten the various claimed elements together. An upper box is created with upper side members 31A, 31B fastened to upper cross members 32A, 32B. The lower box is larger than the upper box. That is, the lower side members 30A, 30B are longer in length that the upper side members 31A, 31B. Cross member 29A is shorter than cross members 29B and 29C. Cross member 29B is shorter than cross member 29C. Upper cross member 32A is longer than upper cross member 32B. A plurality of vertical risers 50, typically one to three feet in length, attach at a lower end to a respective cross member 29B, 29C and at an upper end to a respective cross member 32A, 32B. A plurality of angled risers 55 couple lower cross member 29A to upper cross member 32B via fasteners. Four trusses are coupled at a first end and a second end thereof to the lower cross member 29A and a respective angled riser 55. A side view of one end of a segment is shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A shows the padding 25 that is overlaid atop a flat planar surface 22 such as plywood or particle board. As can be understood by viewing FIGS. 2C and 3C, vertical risers fastened to the distal lower cross member may be sequentially rotated as shown. A foam block 5, an inner circular foam 6 and outer circular foam 7 is arranged as shown beneath the trusses as can be recognized by FIGS. 3B and 3C.

The Rules for Three Contestants

Sanshou (Sanda), with commission approved special rules, shall apply until one of three contestants has been eliminated; and MMA rules excluding elbows shall apply when two contestants are competing.

For example, scoring rules for three contestants are as follows:

-   -   1. The legal scoring area begins at the top center of the head,         with an imaginary line continuing down the sides of the head         through the ears, down to (including the shoulders) to the naval         and hipbones outside and inside of thigh 4 inches above the knee         and calf 4 inches below the knee;     -   2. All legal kicks and punches must be to legal striking area         each contestant;     -   3. While two contestants are engaged, the third combatant shall         only approach the engaged contestants within the visual confines         of the contestant(s);     -   4. Leg sweeps, boot to boot, to the inside and outside of the         contestant's foot (not above the ankle) and shin to calf, or         calf to calf are permitted;     -   5. The use of foot pads and shin pads are optional;     -   6. Foot Pads and Shin Pads, if used, must be approved by the         supervising authority or their appointee. Contestants shall         supply their Foot and Shin Pads. Shin Pads must be made of a         soft material (dipped foam or cotton). Foot and Shin pads must         be secured in the proper manner with elastic straps and medical         athletic tape. No laces shall be exposed;     -   7. Contestants are permitted to catch their opponent's leg and         take up to two steps. Contestants may strike or execute a throw         anytime during the two steps, but must release the leg when they         strike, execute the throw or by the end of the two steps;     -   8. Clinching is permitted for five seconds to execute a throw,         sweep or takedown; and,     -   9. A spinning backhand is allowed. It must strike with the legal         striking area of the glove. This portion is limited to the         tapeline at the wrist to the end of the glove. It does not         include either side of the glove or wrist.

Several legal techniques may be performed while fighting from a standing position. These legal techniques may include:

-   -   1. Hand strikes to head and body;     -   2. Kicking techniques to head, body;     -   3. Knees to the all legal striking areas;     -   4. Throws/Takedowns/Sweeps; Standing Submissions; Arm-bars;         Shouldering.

The following are considered fouls when 3 contestants are simultaneously fighting:

-   -   1. Small joint manipulation;     -   2. Illegal strikes are but not limited to; Joint attacks;         Clubbing; Strikes to the groin area; Holding the opponent's head         and hitting (unless permitted by special rule); Strikes to the         knees; Elbow and forearm strikes (unless permitted by special         rule); Striking opponent(s) who have slipped or fallen to one         knee or more; Head butts; Strikes to the back of the head and/or         spine area; Spinning forearm or elbow; Heel kick to the kidneys;         Throat strikes of any kind; Spiking an opponent to the canvas on         his head or neck; and Direct sidekicks to the legs;     -   3. Unsportsmanlike Infractions;     -   Attacking on the break; Striking after the bell has rung         indicating the end of the round and before the beginning the         succeeding round; Pushing or shoving; Eye gouging of any kind;         Hair pulling; Fish hooking; and Holding gloves. If the         prohibited conduct persists after a warning, the infraction may         result in a deduction of points or disqualification; and,     -   4. Disqualifying Unsportsmanlike Infractions.     -   Should a contestant commit one of the following fouls, the         contestant shall be immediately disqualified: Approaching and         striking engaged contestants outside the engaged contestants         normal visual field; Spitting; Biting; Using abusive language;         Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice;         Kicking the head of a grounded contestant; Kneeing the head of a         grounded contestant; Attacking an opponent who is under the         referee's care; Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or         grabbing the clavicle; Stomping of a grounded contestant;         Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of the         mouthpiece, or faking an injury); Throwing an opponent out of         the ring; Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;         Interference from a contestant's second or corner person; The         presence of unauthorized person(s) or more corner personnel         allowed by local rules on the fighting area perimeter or in the         fighting area; or, any foul which prohibits the opponent from         being able to continue.

The rules of Mixed Martial Arts are a combination of the rules of the Muay Thai; San Shou; Aikido; Karate; Judo; Tae Kwon Do; Wrestling; Grappling; Boxing; or other rules submitted and approved by the Controlling Jurisdiction and agreed upon by all combatants participating in the Event.

The Rules for Two Contestants

If a single competitor is disqualified or cannot continue fighting, then floor fighting is allowed in addition to the rules listed above with respect to three contestants. The following are some legal techniques that may be performed when on the floor:

-   -   1. Hand strikes to head, body and legs; Knees to the body and         legs; Submission moves (chokes, arm-bars, straight leg         locks—ankle-lock & knee-bar only);

Illegal fighting techniques for floor fighting include but are not limited to:

-   -   1. Striking with Elbows; Small joint manipulation; Forearm         strikes; Groin strikes; Hitting back of head; Spine attacks         (strikes and locks); Pile driving an opponent; Throwing a         combatant out of competition area; Neck cranks; Pinching;         Biting; Gouging; Choking with hand on throat; Fish hooking;         Strikes to the groin area; Knee strikes to the head of a         grounded fighter; Strikes to the knees; Elbow and forearm         strikes; Head butts; Strikes to the back of the head and/or         spine area; Spinning forearm or elbow. A spinning backhand is         allowed but it must strike within the legal striking area of the         glove. This portion is limited to the tapeline at the wrist to         the end of the glove. It does not include either side of the         glove or wrist; Kick to the kidneys; Throat strikes of any kind;         Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck; Knees to         head of a grounded fighter; and Stomps.

Unsportsmanlike infractions include: Attacking on the break; Striking after the bell has indicated the end of the round; Pushing or shoving; Eye gouging of any kind; Hair pulling; Fish hooking; Holding an opponent's shorts or gloves; If the prohibited conduct persists after a warning, the infraction may result in a deduction of points or disqualification;

Should a contestant commit one of the following fouls, the contestant shall be immediately disqualified: Spitting; Biting; Using abusive language; Intentionally placing a finger in any opponent's orifice; Kicking the head of a grounded contestant; Kneeing the head of a grounded contestant; Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care; Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle; Stomping of a grounded contestant; Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of the mouthpiece, or faking an injury); Throwing an opponent out of the ring; Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions; Interference from a contestant's second or corner person; The presence of unauthorized person(s) or more corner personal allowed by local jurisdiction rules in or on the fighting area perimeter or in the fighting area; or any foul which prohibits the opponent from being able to continue.

Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the contest and shall not permit fouls or other unfair practices that may cause an injury to a combatant. Referees shall warn combatants who commit fouls during the contest.

The scoring criteria for 2 combatants is as follows:

-   -   A. Effective striking, judged by determining the total number of         legal heavy strikes landed by a contestant.     -   B. Effective grappling judged by considering the amount of         successful executions of a legal takedown or reversals. Factors         considered will be take downs from standing position to mount         position, passing the guard to mount position, and bottom         position contestants using active, threatening guard.     -   C. Control of the fighting area, judged by determining who is         dictating the pace and location and position of the bout.         Factors considered will be countering a grappler's attempt at         takedown by remaining standing and legally striking, taking down         an opponent to force a ground fight, creating threatening         submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and         creating striking opportunities.     -   D. Effective aggressiveness and defense, judged by moving         forward and landing a legal strike and avoiding being struck,         taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.     -   E. Judges shall use a sliding scale and recognize the length of         the time the contestants are either standing or on the ground as         follows.         -   1. If the contestant spent a majority of a round on the             canvas, the effective grappling is weighed first and             effective striking second.         -   2. If the contestant spent a majority of a round standing,             the effective striking is weighed first and effective             grappling is second.         -   3. If a round ends with relatively even amount of standing             and canvas fighting, striking and grappling are weighed             equally.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction illustrated and described above, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in limiting sense. From the above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention and the preceding detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the various modifications to which the present invention is susceptible. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. A process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event, said process comprising: providing an arena, said arena including an outer elevated ring that is elevated above the remaining portions of the arena; providing at least three fighters who conduct martial arts against one another in a standing position in accord with a first set of fighting rules until one of the three fighters are unable to continue fighting, thereafter allowing the remaining two fighters to continue fighting under a second set of fighting rules which expand on the first set of rules to allow one of the fighters to take the other fighter to the floor; providing a plurality of judges to judge the fighters in accord with a predetermined set of rules; providing at least two referees which ensure that the fighters comply with the first and second set of fighting rules; providing rules for scoring; said judges scoring strikes and counter strikes in accord with the rules for scoring and decisions rendered by either of the two referees; and, at a conclusion of the mixed martial arts sporting event, identifying and announcing the winner in accord with the rules for scoring and scorecards having scores written thereon that have been awarded as points by the judges to the fighters.
 2. The process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event of claim 1 wherein the step of providing an arena further comprises providing an arena having a dodecagon shape.
 3. The process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event of claim 1 wherein the step of providing an arena further comprises constructing triangular segments which are fastened together to create the arena.
 4. The process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event of claim 1 wherein the step of providing an arena further comprises providing padding on a top side of a floor of the arena and beneath the sub-floor of the arena.
 5. The process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event of claim 1 further comprising awarding points to the fighter by: scoring the three fighters' performances during a round by: determining a total number of effective strikes delivered by each fighter where an effective strike does not include kicks that are caught or if an effective counter move is performed to block a strike, throwing an opponent, or delivering a sweep kick: determining whether a knockdown resulting from a strike such as a punch or kick has occurred and awarding a point to an appropriate fighter; and determining the number of throws, takedowns, sweeps, counter techniques, forced falls, difficult punches, throws, or holds performed by each fighter and awarding points accordingly.
 6. The process for conducting a mixed martial arts sporting event of claim 1 further comprising concluding bouts in one of the following manners: submission by tap out; verbal tap out; technical knockout; knockout; declaring a draw; disqualification of a fighter; forfeiture by a fighter; declaring a technical draw; providing a technical decision; and, issuing a no contest.
 7. A method for constructing an arena for mixed martial art events, said method comprising: building a lower box comprising at least two cross members fastened to two lower side support members; building an upper box having upper cross members fastened to two upper side support members, said upper cross members being fastened together via top members extending there between, said upper side support members being shorter in length that the lower side support members of the lower box; coupling the lower box to the upper box via a plurality of vertical risers; installing trusses having a first end and a second end with said second end extending across a proximal edge of the lower box and fastened thereto; coupling the first end of the trusses together; fastening a plurality of angled risers between the proximal cross member of the lower box and the proximal cross member of the upper box to create a sloped surface fastening a planar material atop the angled risers and upper box; providing foam underneath the trusses; coupling a top edge of the trusses together via a flat, planar surface with fasteners; and, attaching a pad to an upper side of the flat planar surface;
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of building the lower box comprising at least two cross members fastened to two lower side support members, includes one of the two cross members being proximal to a center of the arena and being shorter in length that the other cross member.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein a surface area of a lower interior fighting surface is greater than a surface area of the elevated outer fighting ring.
 10. The method of claim 7 further comprising constructing an arena having a bottom of 24 feet in diameter and 12 raised sides.
 11. An athletic arena in which mixed martial arts are performed, said athletic arena comprising: a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a plurality of trusses extending from a center of the arena to form a plurality of angles, each truss having a first end and a second end, said first ends being coupled together, said trusses further including a top edge and a bottom edge; a knee wall comprising a base and a top coupled together with risers fastened there between; a plurality of angled risers having a first end, a second end, and a top edge, each first end of said plurality of angled risers coupled to the second end of a respective truss and each second end of the plurality of angled risers coupled to a proximal upper end of the top of the knee wall; a central area of foam that supports the first end of each segment of the athletic arena; a first ring of foam disposed beneath said trusses against a bottom edge thereof and arranged substantially near the central area of foam; a second ring of foam disposed beneath said trusses between the first ring of foam and the second end of the trusses; a substantially planar surface having a top side and a bottom side, said bottom side of the substantially planer surface fastened to a top edge of each truss, the top edge of each angled riser, and the top of the knee wall; and, a layer of padding arranged atop the top side of the substantially planar surface,.
 12. The athletic arena of claim 11 wherein a surface area of a lower interior fighting surface is greater than a surface area of an elevated outer fighting ring created by the knee wall.
 13. The athletic arena of claim 11 further comprising constructing an arena having a lower interior fighting surface being 24 feet in diameter and 12 raised sides.
 14. An athletic arena formed from segments coupled together to form a multi-side ring, said athletic arena comprising: a sub-flooring comprising a plurality of trusses, each truss having a first end that is fastened together and a second end that is fastened to a cross member; foam arranged beneath the first end of each truss; at least one ring of foam arranged beneath the trusses between the first and second ends of the trusses; a knee wall comprising an upper box and lower box coupled together via vertical risers, the upper box formed by a pair of upper side members coupled to a pair of upper cross members, a plurality of top members coupled at opposite ends between the upper cross members, the lower box formed from a pair of lower side members that are longer than the upper side members and are coupled together via lower cross members; a plurality of angled risers coupled between a distal end of the trusses comprising the sub-floor and an upper proximal cross member of the knee wall; a floor having an upper surface and a lower surface overlaid atop said sub-floor, said knee wall, and the angled risers; and, padding arranged above said floor.
 15. The athletic arena of claim 14 wherein a surface area of a lower interior fighting surface is greater than a surface area of an elevated outer fighting ring created by the knee wall.
 16. The athletic arena of claim 14 further comprising constructing an arena having a lower interior fighting surface being 24 feet in diameter and 12 raised sides. 